Lachhi Learning Centre concluded a week-long ‘First Heritage Camp 2025’ with an exhibition and a closing programme on Saturday at Choy Lacchi, Khokana, Lalitpur. The First Heritage Camp 2025 is a flagship initiative of the Centre, designed to connect students with the rich cultural heritage of the Newa community. The closing ceremony was followed by the exhibition, where all the work done by the camp participants was showcased.

Lachhi Learning Centre was established nine months ago to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern education while fostering a connection with heritage, culture, and community. By integrating academics with hands-on heritage activities, Lachhi Learning Centre aims to create a sustainable learning ecosystem that nurtures an appreciation for culture among children and youth.

The camp hosted 23 students from various schools, engaging them in traditional Newa crafts, calligraphy, indigenous cooking, yoga, traditional folklore storytelling, pottery, sculpture, garland weaving, straw mat making and traditional Newa games.

The Centre also organises these sessions every Saturday and has conducted 26 sessions.

LMC Ward-21 Chairman Rabindra Maharjan also attended the event and emphasised his commitment to support similar initiatives. A social worker and facilitator of the Indigenous Recipes and Food session, Krishna Hari, shared his excitement about teaching traditional food knowledge to the younger generation.

Likewise, Krishna Bhakta Maharjan, the headmaster of Shree Rudrayani Secondary English School, expressed his gratitude to the Lachhi Learning Centre for organising a meaningful event connecting students to their cultural roots.

Parents expressed joy in seeing their children actively learn and preserve traditional knowledge through this initiative.

In his closing address, Jaa Dangol, the founder of Lachhi Learning Centre, thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the Heritage Camp. Special thanks were extended to the instructors, facilitators, supporting organisations, the Lachhi cooks, community members, and programme coordinator Suroj Maharjan.

Dangol added, “To preserve our traditional knowledge and tangible and intangible heritage, we must integrate education with our cultural practices and heritage. Designing a curriculum that reflects these values is essential. Above all, we must invest in our children now to secure the future of our heritage. If we delay, we risk losing it forever.” Lachhi Learning Centre plans to involve more youth in future programmes.